The golfing world has paid tribute to a Huddersfield man who became a successful professional golfer.
Kevin Phillips, 57, was a member of the Professional Golfers Association for over 40 years and had qualified and played in the British Senior Open Championships.
He spent the last 26 years working as the head professional at the Winterfield Golf Club in Dunbar, Scotland, where he was given an honorary Membership in October 2015.
Tributes paid by players at the Winterfield club flooded in after his death.
Dougie Muir said: “A genuine man at all times.”
Ronnie Hutchinson added: “This is so sad. He taught me to play back in the early 90s. An annual trophy would be a fitting tribute.”
Karen Watters said: “Such sad news. He was a true gentleman with a great sense of humour.”
Kevin was the son of Geoffrey and Jackie Phillips and brother to Ann, Steve, Mick and Lisa. He leaves wife Linda, children Ellie, Sarah, Ryan and Lisa and grandson Jenson.
Kevin was born and brought up in Huddersfield, attending the former Almondbury Secondary Modern School.
When he left school he worked for a short time at a wholesaler in Huddersfield.
But he was keen on golf from his childhood and joined Meltham Golf Club, where the pro at the time recognised his talent and told his parents he could make a career in the sport.
He worked briefly at Meltham and then had a job at a club in Cheshire.
Kevin’s father Geoff said: “He bought an old Ford Prefect and travelled all over the country, playing in tournaments.
“He was then offered a job at the Winterfield Club in Dunbar, Scotland, and went on to spend 26 years there as the head professional. He decided to retire a year ago and move to Sanday, Orkney with his wife Linda and daughter Ellie, where he was expected to take up a new post at a local golf club.”
Kevin died peacefully at home in Orkney.
